The Columbus Crew have filled their head coaching vacancy ahead of 2026.

Henrik Rydström has been named the Crew’s new head coach, the club announced Wednesday. Rydstrom most recently served as manager of Swedish side Malmo from 2023-25, winning the Allsvenskan title twice and the Swedish Cup once.

He totaled a 39-9-12 record with Malmo in league play during his time there.

“Henrik has proven his leadership ability throughout an established coaching and playing career, and we collectively share a vision for how we can continue to advance and evolve the Club’s dynamic style of play,” said General Manager Issa Tall.

“During the head coaching search, we prioritized candidates’ personalities and care for their club as a whole, in addition to their coaching accolades. Henrik fully embodies these traits as the Crew’s head coach, and we’reeager to begin the 2026 season together with our long-standing goal of consistently contending for championships in Columbus.”

Prior to moving to Malmo in 2023, Rydstrom managed at fellow Swedish side Kalmar and IK Sirius from 2019-22.

Born in Karlskrona, Sweden, Rydstrom made over 500 appearances for Kalmar as a player before also featuring sparingly for IFK Berga, Listerby IK, and Hossmo BK. He won three trophies as a player including the Swedish league title and Swedish SuperCup.

Rydstrom takes over for Wilfried Nancy, who left the club to join Scottish giants Celtic earlier this winter.

The Crew finished seventh in the 2025 MLS regular season standings, reaching the league playoffs before suffering elimination at the hands of rivals FC Cincinnati over three matches.